Homeschooling is regulated by the state rather than the federal government, which means that you will need to look to the specifics in your state to find out what, if anything, you have to do to be legally homeschooling. Some states consider homeschools to be private schools and regulate them as such, some states have specific homeschool statutes, and some have no homeschool regulations at all.
Don’t assume that just because legalities sound confusing that they are hard to comply with. Local and state homeschool groups can give you guidance in understanding the law, but be sure to seek out the actual state code (which is usually online at your state’s official website) for the most up to date and accurate legal information with regard to homeschooling.
Related Reading
Do You Know What Law Enables You To Homeschool?
If you don’t know, you should. How else can you tell whether the next government official who tells you that you have to do what he says is lying or misunderstanding the law? Do you really want to “comply” with what the government official tells you to do if it is not required by law? Maybe it doesn’t bother you to “comply”. Would it bother your neighbor? More importantly, would it bother your children when it is their turn to homeschool your grandchildren? Perhaps it would. If you “comply” when you are not required to do so, will it become that much easier for ... Read More »
The “Show Me” Letter
Extra Rules Always Required
Time and again, in various states around the country, we have seen that homeschool tax credit legislation attracts increased monitoring. With new federal “model” homeschool tax credit legislation already proposed, homeschoolers must be extremely vigilant in opposing this well intentioned threat to our homeschool freedoms. Read More »
Back-to-School Forms as Tea and Muffins
Summer is waning, and the fall quickly approaches, with its back-to-school excitement! Even homeschoolers who educate throughout the summer often use the fall as a time to try a fresh start with new curriculum, implement a new approach, or get creative to inject a breath of fresh air into their school. For many home educators, August is an important time to send in test scores, file notice-of-intent forms, and fulfill their state’s legal requirements in order to be able to homeschool. Read More »
Without a Season: Virginia Homeschool Sports Access
What Have You Done for Homeschooling Lately?
When Your Child Goes from Homeschooling to Public School
Ask Jeanne: “Does school decide what grade?”
Ask Jeanne: Homeschooling and Immunization Law
Naming Your Homeschool
Ask Jeanne: Can a 20-Year-Old Earn a Homeschool Diploma?
What Is Accreditation? Should My Homeschool Be Accredited?
Plan Now for Homeschool End-of-Year Requirements